State Secretary Confirms Ministers Attending Independence Day Ceremony in NTT Will Also Handle Earthquake Response

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi stated that several ministers led the 81st Independence Day ceremony in various regions, including East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Pras emphasised that the presence of ministers in NTT was also for earthquake response efforts.

“Yes, so there are several ministers and deputy ministers of the Red and White Cabinet who are indeed conducting ceremonies outside Jakarta. For example, the Minister of Marine Affairs led the 81st Independence Day commemoration ceremony in Southeast Sulawesi Province,” said Pras at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (17/8/2026).

Pras said a number of ministers and heads of agencies were in NTT for the Independence Day ceremony. Pras expressed deep condolences, as a significant earthquake had occurred in NTT, and several ministers were leading ceremonies there today.

“For example, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, the Home Affairs Minister, the Public Works Minister, the Deputy Health Minister, and the Deputy Social Affairs Minister are currently in East Nusa Tenggara to monitor and ensure the disaster response from yesterday is being handled properly,” said Pras.

“So, in the midst of celebrating independence, we must of course ensure that our brothers and sisters who experienced the disaster are all handled as well as possible,” he continued.

As is known, the BMKG recorded 1,598 aftershocks in NTT. BMKG Head Faisal Fathani said the BMKG continues to monitor the aftershocks.

“We continue to monitor the aftershocks. Let me check the latest information. Yes, as of 7:00 this morning, 1,598 aftershocks have been recorded, with the largest magnitude being 6.2 and the smallest 1.3, and approximately 54 earthquakes were felt,” said Faisal.